Passenger compartment of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle comprising such a passenger compartment

Abstract

Motor vehicle passenger compartment and motor vehicle comprising such a passenger compartment. The invention relates to a passenger compartment (1) of a motor vehicle (3), said vehicle comprising a steering system without a mechanical steering column, said passenger compartment comprising a dashboard (7) supporting a steering wheel (9) movable between an operating position and a storage position. According to the invention, the steering wheel is heated and the kinematics of the transition from said operating position to said storage position comprises: - a rotation of said steering wheel around a transverse axis of rotation (27), until reaching a position where said steering wheel is contained within a storage plane (P2) forming an angle (β) between 30° and 60° with respect to the horizontal plane, and - a translation of said steering wheel within said storage plane, downwards in said passenger compartment, towards said dashboard. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising such a passenger compartment. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Passenger compartment of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle comprising such a passenger compartment Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, in particular to the field of thermal comfort within the passenger compartment.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a motor vehicle interior and a motor vehicle comprising such a interior. Prior art

[0003] The autonomy of electric motor vehicles is one of the most important factors in the commercial success of this type of vehicle and for their acceptance on the market.

[0004] Battery electric motor vehicles (BEVs) typically include a traction battery powering the motor vehicle's electric motor. The only electrical energy available to the motor vehicle is that stored in the traction battery.

[0005] In order to improve the capacity of the traction batteries of electric motor vehicles, a solution aimed at increasing the size of the traction batteries is very penalizing, because this would make the motor vehicle more bulky, increase its mass and considerably increase its cost price.

[0006] A known alternative is to limit the energy consumption of traction batteries. To do this, one solution is to control the energy consumption caused by the operation of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning device, a device frequently referred to by the acronym "HVAC" (an acronym for "Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning").

[0007] Indeed, when heating a motor vehicle interior, particularly in a cold climate, the energy consumption of the traction battery is such that the autonomy of the motor vehicle is reduced by approximately half compared to use of the motor vehicle without activation of the HVAC.

[0008] In order to control the energy consumption caused by the operation of the HVAC, it is known to use close heating comfort elements in addition to or as a replacement for the HVAC.

[0009] Close-coupled heating comfort elements are elements of the passenger compartment which are capable of being heated and whose location within the passenger compartment makes it possible to to heat the vehicle occupants. Close-in heated comfort elements include, for example, a heated steering wheel, heated seats, heated headrests, and heated armrests. Close-in heated comfort elements also include, for example, radiant heating panels, housed laterally in the passenger compartment, in the door panels and / or in the lower part of the passenger compartment in the footwell and / or in the upper part of the passenger compartment in the headliner.

[0010] The use of these closely spaced heating comfort elements makes it possible to heat the air in the vehicle's passenger compartment while reducing the energy-consuming conservation of the HVAC.

[0011] In this way, the overall energy consumption of the vehicle is reduced, which makes it possible to limit the use of the traction battery of an electric vehicle and therefore to increase the autonomy of electric vehicles.

[0012] In the context of vehicle automation, six levels of automation are used to qualify the autonomy of driving, ranging from level 0 to level 5. When the level of automation of the vehicle reaches the fourth level (so-called "brain-off" level), supervision of driving by the driver is no longer mandatory.

[0013] The driver is then allowed, when activating an “autonomous vehicle” function which makes the vehicle autonomous according to the criteria specific to the fourth level of automation, to increase the volume surrounding him so that he feels more comfortable and so that he can carry out activities other than driving.

[0014] This freeing up of the driver's space is reflected in particular by the steering wheel being moved back relative to the dashboard (to allow the driver to read), by the removal of the pedals in the footwell (to allow the driver to stretch his legs), by the driver's seat being moved back or the driver's seat backrest being pivoted (to allow the driver to relax), by the removal of the central console and the driver's seat being pivoted so that the driver is facing the passenger (lounge mode).

[0015] The prior art document WO2023 / 284949A1 discloses a steering wheel without mechanical connection capable of being retracted into the dashboard of the passenger compartment by a translational movement along the axis of the steering wheel, which makes it possible to free up space within the passenger compartment when the “autonomous vehicle” function is activated.

[0016] When the “autonomous vehicle” function, making the vehicle autonomous according to the criteria specific to the fourth level of automation, is not activated, the driver benefits from optimal thermal comfort thanks to the adjustment of the HVAC and thanks to the adjustment of the close heating comfort elements, while limiting the energy consumption of the vehicle’s traction battery.

[0017] However, when the “autonomous vehicle” function is activated and the elements heating comfort elements are moved within the vehicle interior, the heating comfort elements are less effective or even inoperative.

[0018] For example, when the seat is in a rearward position, the driver's feet, which are usually close to radiant heating panels under the dashboard, are less heated.

[0019] Similarly, when the steering wheel occupies the retracted position as is the case in the device of document WO2023 / 284949A1, the driver's hands, usually in contact with the steering wheel, are no longer warmed. Statement of the invention

[0020] The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, and to do so relates to a motor vehicle interior, said motor vehicle being of the type comprising a steering system without a mechanical steering column, said interior comprising a dashboard supporting a steering wheel of said steering system, said steering wheel being movable between an operating position and a storage position, remarkable in that said steering wheel is heated and in that the kinematics of passage from said operating position to said storage position comprises: - initially, a rotation of said steering wheel around a substantially transverse axis of rotation, until reaching an intermediate position in which said steering wheel is contained in a storage plane forming an angle of between approximately 30° and approximately 60° relative to a horizontal plane, and - in a second step, a translation of said steering wheel in said storage plane, towards the bottom of said passenger compartment and in the direction of said dashboard.

[0021] By providing for reaching a storage position of the steering wheel by a rotational movement until reaching an intermediate position where the steering wheel is contained in a storage plane, then by a translational movement in the storage plane towards the bottom of the passenger compartment and in the direction of the dashboard, the steering wheel is opposite the lower limbs of the driver occupant when it occupies its storage position.

[0022] In this way, when the driver's seat occupies a rearward position in the passenger compartment, the occupant's lower limbs continue to be warmed by the steering wheel and the steering wheel continues to be able to be used as a heating comfort element close to the passenger compartment.

[0023] The radiant heating panels, housed in the lower part of the passenger compartment in the footwell, can then be deactivated in favor of the steering wheel.

[0024] This increases the autonomy of electric vehicles by reducing HVAC consumption, while improving occupant comfort.

[0025] According to optional characteristics of the passenger compartment according to the invention: - the translation of said steering wheel in said storage plane is carried out over a distance of between approximately 150mm and approximately 200mm; - the angle formed between said storage plane and said horizontal plane is equal to approximately 45°; - the rotation of said steering wheel around said substantially transverse axis of rotation is carried out over an angle of between approximately 55° and approximately 85°; - the rotation of said steering wheel around said substantially transverse axis of rotation is carried out over an angle equal to approximately 70°, - the translation of said steering wheel in said storage plane is carried out under said dashboard; - the passenger compartment comprises a means for actuating said steering wheel, adapted to move said steering wheel from said operating position to said storage position when said actuating means is activated.

[0026] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a passenger compartment, remarkable in that said passenger compartment is according to the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0027] Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

[0028] [Fig. 1] partially shows a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle seen from the side in which an occupant is in a driving position.

[0029] [Fig.2] shows the passenger compartment of the invention in which the driver's seat is moved back longitudinally.

[0030] [Fig.3] illustrates the kinematics of the passage of the steering wheel of the passenger compartment from an operating position to a storage position.

[0031] [Fig.4] shows the passenger compartment in which the steering wheel is in its stowed position and the steering wheel heating function is activated. Description of the embodiments

[0032] In the remainder of the description, elements having an identical structure or similar functions are designated by the same reference.

[0033] By convention, longitudinal, vertical and transverse orientations indicated by the direct trihedron (L, V, T) designating the longitudinal, vertical and transverse axes of the vehicle will be adopted, without limitation.

[0034] In the following, the terms “left”, “right”, “lower” and “upper” are understood in relation to the vehicle.

[0035] Similarly, the terms “front” and “rear” are understood in relation to the orientation general view of the vehicle as taken in its normal direction of travel.

[0036] Reference is made to [Fig.l] partially showing a passenger compartment 1 of a motor vehicle 3 seen from the side in which an occupant 5 is in a driving position.

[0037] The passenger compartment 1 comprises a set of closely spaced heating comfort elements, capable of being heated to warm the occupants of the vehicle. The closely spaced heating comfort elements can be used in addition to or as a replacement for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) device and can heat the air in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0038] By way of non-exhaustive examples, the heating comfort elements close to the motor vehicle 3 may comprise a heated steering wheel, heated seats, heated headrests, heated armrests, radiant heating panels, for example housed laterally in the passenger compartment 1 at the level of the door panels and / or in the lower part of the passenger compartment 1, for example in the footwell 6 and / or in the upper part of the passenger compartment 1 in the headliner (not shown).

[0039] The passenger compartment 1 comprises a dashboard 7. The dashboard 7 supports a heated steering wheel 9 used as a close comfort element as well as, for example, on-board equipment (not shown) of the motor vehicle 3.

[0040] The steering wheel 9 is part of a steering system without a mechanical steering column, i.e. an electronic cable steering system frequently referred to by the term “steer-by-wire” in English. As such, the steering wheel 9 is linked to a plurality of sensors measuring in particular the force, the steering angle and the rotation speed of the steering wheel. The sensors communicate with a control unit of an electric motor driving a steering rack (not shown) coupled to the steered wheels of the vehicle and controlling their pivoting. Thus, unlike mechanical steering systems, no mechanical connection other than that provided by the cable between the steering wheel 9 and the control unit of the motor driving the steering rack is used in a “steer-by-wire” system.

[0041] The passenger compartment 1 comprises a set of seats, including a driver's seat 11, for example a heated seat used as a close comfort element. The seat 11 comprises a seat 13, and a backrest 15 pivotally mounted relative to the seat 13 around a substantially transverse axis 17, extending substantially transversely relative to the motor vehicle 3. The seat 11 is extended in its upper part by a headrest 19 which may for example be a heated headrest used as a close comfort element.

[0042] The seat 11 can be adjusted longitudinally relative to the motor vehicle 3, as represented by the arrow 21, and vertically relative to the motor vehicle 3, as represented by the arrow 23.

[0043] The motor vehicle 3 is a vehicle of the type having a level automation at least equal to 4 (so-called “brain-off” level).

[0044] In [Fig.l], the “autonomous vehicle” function according to the criteria of the fourth level of automation allowing non-obligatory supervision of driving by the driver is not activated.

[0045] Reference is made to [Fig.2] showing the motor vehicle 3 where the seat 11 is moved back longitudinally, as represented by the arrow 24.

[0046] When the motor vehicle 3 is in operation, such a rearward position of the seat 11 can be reached after activating the fourth level “autonomous vehicle” function allowing the occupant 5 non-obligatory supervision of the driving.

[0047] The backrest 15 of the seat 11 can be inclined relative to the seat 13 by pivoting it around the axis 17, as represented by the arrow 25.

[0048] Such a rearward position of the seat 11 makes it possible to free up space in front of the driver occupant 5, allowing the driver to relax, for example by reading and / or stretching his legs. In such a rearward position, the radiant heating panels housed in the lower part of the passenger compartment 1 in the footwell 6 are no longer effective.

[0049] The steering wheel 9 is movable between an operating position shown in Figures 1 and 2 and a storage position shown in [Fig.4].

[0050] In its operating position, the manipulation of the steering wheel 9 causes an interaction with the steered wheels of the motor vehicle 3 via the steering system.

[0051] In its storage position, the manipulation of the steering wheel 9 no longer causes interaction with the steered wheels of the motor vehicle 3.

[0052] We refer to [Fig.3] illustrating the kinematics of the passage of the steering wheel 9 from its operating position to its storage position.

[0053] The flywheel 9 is initially contained in an operating plane Pb. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the operating plane Pi forms, with a transverse plane (V, T), an angle a of between approximately 20° and approximately 25°. However, the angle a formed between the operating plane Pi and the transverse plane (V, T) may be greater than 25° or less than 20°.

[0054] According to the invention, the kinematics of the steering wheel 9 moving from its operating position to its storage position is carried out in two stages.

[0055] Firstly, the kinematics according to the invention provides for a rotation of the steering wheel 9 around a substantially transverse axis of rotation 27, that is to say around an axis extending substantially transversely in the passenger compartment 1, that is to say an axis extending substantially transversely relative to the motor vehicle 1.

[0056] Rotation is clockwise when the steering wheel is viewed from the left of passenger compartment 1, as represented by arrow 29.

[0057] The rotation is carried out from the operating position of the steering wheel 9 until reaching an intermediate position shown in dotted lines in [Fig.3].

[0058] In such an intermediate position, the steering wheel 9 is contained in a storage plane P2, forming an angle [3 with a horizontal plane (L, T) of between approximately 30° and approximately 60°.

[0059] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the angle [3 formed between the storage plane P2 and the horizontal plane is equal to approximately 45°.

[0060] According to one arrangement of the invention, the rotation of the steering wheel 9 around the axis of rotation 27 is carried out over an angle y, measured between the operating plane Pi and the storage plane P2, of between approximately 55° and approximately 85°.

[0061] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the angle y is equal to approximately 70°.

[0062] In a second step, the kinematics according to the invention provides for a translation of the steering wheel 9 in the storage plane P2, towards the bottom of the passenger compartment 1 and towards the dashboard 7, as represented by the arrow 31. In other words, the steering wheel 9 is moved towards the footwell 6 during the translation step.

[0063] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the translation of the steering wheel 9 in the storage plane P2 is carried out over a distance d of between approximately 125mm and approximately 225mm, for example between 150mm and 200mm.

[0064] According to one arrangement of the invention, the translation of the steering wheel 9 in the storage plane P2 is carried out under the dashboard 7 of the passenger compartment 1.

[0065] The movement of the steering wheel 9 between its operating position and its storage position can be obtained manually or by activating an actuating means automating the movement between one and the other of the positions.

[0066] Reference is made to [Fig.4] showing the passenger compartment 1 in which the steering wheel 9 occupies its storage position and in which the heating function of the steering wheel 9 is activated, as represented by the arrows 33.

[0067] When the kinematics of the steering wheel 9 moving from its operating position to its storage position are complete and the steering wheel 9 occupies its storage position, the steering wheel 9 is opposite the lower limbs of the driver occupant 5.

[0068] When the seat 11 occupies its rearward position, the lower limbs of the occupant 5 continue to be warmed by the steering wheel 9.

[0069] Thus, when the “autonomous vehicle” function is activated and the driver's seat 11 is in its rearward position, the steering wheel 9 can still be used as a heating comfort element close to the passenger compartment 1.

[0070] The radiant heating panels, housed in the lower part of the passenger compartment 1 in the footwell 6, can then be deactivated in favor of the steering wheel 9.

[0071] The heating of the steering wheel 9 can be activated via a manual control or automatically via a software means, integrated into the motor vehicle 3 or external to the motor vehicle 3. For example, the temperature of the motor vehicle 3 can be monitored by the software means and the triggering of the heating of the steering wheel 9 can be controlled by the temperature monitoring.

[0072] As goes without saying, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of this motor vehicle passenger compartment and of this motor vehicle comprising such a passenger compartment, described above solely as illustrative examples, but on the contrary it embraces all the variants involving the technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Passenger compartment (1) of a motor vehicle (3), said motor vehicle (3) being of the type comprising a steering system without a mechanical steering column, said passenger compartment (1) comprising a dashboard (7) supporting a steering wheel (9) of said steering system, said steering wheel (9) being movable between an operating position and a storage position, characterized in that said steering wheel (9) is heated and in that the kinematics of passage from said operating position to said storage position comprises: - in a first step, a rotation of said steering wheel (9) around a substantially transverse axis of rotation (27), until reaching an intermediate position in which said steering wheel (9) is contained in a storage plane (P2) forming an angle (|3) of between approximately 30° and approximately 60° relative to a horizontal plane, and - in a second step, a translation of said steering wheel (9) in said storage plane (P2),towards the bottom of said passenger compartment (1) and towards said dashboard (7).,

2. Passenger compartment (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the translation of said steering wheel (9) in said storage plane (P2) is carried out over a distance (d) of between approximately 150mm and approximately 200mm.

3. Passenger compartment (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the angle (|3) formed between said storage plane (P2) and said horizontal plane is equal to approximately 45°.

4. Passenger compartment (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the rotation of said steering wheel (9) around said substantially transverse axis of rotation (27) is carried out over an angle (y) of between approximately 55° and approximately 85°.

5. Passenger compartment (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the rotation of said steering wheel (9) around said substantially transverse axis of rotation (27) is carried out over an angle (y) equal to approximately 70°.

6. Passenger compartment (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the translation of said steering wheel (9) in said storage plane (P2) is carried out under said dashboard (7).

7. Passenger compartment (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a means for actuating said steering wheel (9) adapted to move said steering wheel (9) from said operating position to said storage position when activating said means of actuation.

8. Motor vehicle (3) comprising a passenger compartment (1), characterized in that said passenger compartment (1) is according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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